Rockstar Games details 'Grand Theft Auto Online'

Rockstar Games emphasizes the breadth and depth of content coming to "Grand Theft Auto Online" from Oct. 1, lessening fears that the "Grand Theft Auto V" multiplayer portion will be agressively monetized.

The free-roaming nature of "Grand Theft Auto V" is to be preserved, with up to 16 players jumping in at once, taking part in missions, building reputation, or taking off into the mountains, playing golf, and base jumping together.

Races are there too, and a new Rally mode means drivers can go two-up with a friend in the navigator's seat.

That feeling of togetherness is one that Rockstar wants to maintain between developers and players, as the first few weeks are bound to include "glitches, crazy bugs, gameplay modes and mechanics that need re-balancing and other surprises!"

Continual development is promised, taking into account player behavior and preference, and four free content packs are to arrive in the first few weeks of "Grand Theft Auto Online" activity.

Players will then be able to create custom races, sport a load of beachwear, play Capture the Flag, and execute bank heists together.

Against this background of planned content, Rockstar broached the sensitive topic of micro-transactions -- buying in-game cash with real money -- assuring fans that it wouldn't break the game.

"The game and economy have been designed and balanced for the vast majority of players who will not buy extra cash. There is no in-game paywall and nothing that should disrupt the balance of the game," explained Rockstar's post.

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"You don't have to spend real money to attain the cars, guns, clothes, flash and style of a high-roller in Los Santos, but can if you wish to get them a little quicker."

The studio also moved to lessen concerns over the steep path to wealth in "Grand Theft Auto V" being part of a push towards virtual currency purchases.

"The economy is balanced differently from the single player economy, and cash earned in one cannot be taken over to the other. Most players will earn cash much faster Online than in Story Mode."

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